SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – National University proved to be as dominant as ever as the Lady Bulldogs kicked off their title defense in record-setting fashion in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament.
The Lady Bulldogs – the six time champions who haven’t seen action since November 2019 – ripped the University of the East Lady Warriors, 131-47, on Sunday, October 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 84-point drubbing stretched NU’s historic winning streak to 97, dating back to 2014.
But that’s not the only record the Lady Bulldogs posted right on the opening weekend.
The Lady Bulldogs also recorded the most points in the league’s women’s basketball history since the computerization of stats, surpassing University of Santo Tomas’ 129 points on September 22, 2018 against University of the Philippines.
NU’s previous high under former champion coach Pat Aquino was 112 points against De La Salle University on September 11, 2019.
“We’re just happy that basketball for women is back, we waited for this for a long time and I want to congratulate the girls for starting this season with a convincing win,” said NU coach Aris Dimaunahan after his record-breaking debut.
Camille Clarin led the NU onslaught with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
“It was a statement to the UAAP that we’re back,” said Clarin. “New coach, new players, but we still have the same culture and same goals.”
Karl Pingol had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 of the 22 steals of the Lady Bulldogs, who zoomed to a 38-11 first quarter before holding the Lady Warriors to just 2 points in the second.
Tin Cayabyab added 14 points while Annick Tiky had 11 points and 8 rebounds in her first and only season for NU.
Angel Surada tallied the game’s only double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Gypsy Canuto got 7 points and 10 assists.
In the second game, Ateneo survived FEU’s comeback attempts for a 67-64 escape.
LJ Miranda fired 17 points, including a clutch triple with 18.2 seconds left, and also grabbed 8 rebounds for the Blue Eagles.
Jhaz Joson added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, while Ateneo rookie Kacey dela Rosa had a debut to remember with 14 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 3 steals.
Camille Taguiam was at the forefront of FEU’s attack and flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists.
The Scores
First Game
NU 131 – Clarin 22, Pingol 16, Cayabyab 14, Tiky 11, Fabruada 10, Surada 10, Baroquillo 8, Solis 8, Canuto 7, Ico 7, Betanio 6, Dimaunahan 5, Villareal 3, Bartolo 2, Talas 2.
UE 47 – Terrinal 10, Kone 10, Anastacio 9, Caraig 8, Ordas 4, Tinio 3, Gervacio 2, Lorena 1, Nama 0, Sajol 0, Dela Rosa 0, Paule 0.
Quarters: 38-11, 68-13, 102-25, 131-47.
Second Game
Ateneo 67 – Miranda 17, Joson 14, Dela Rosa 14, Villacruz 10, Makanjoula 5, Gino-Gino 3, Jajurie 2, Nieves 1, Eufemanio 1, Calago 0.
FEU 64 – Jumuad 11, Pacia 11, Taguiam 10, Go 9, Delos Santos 9, Obien 7, Lopez 5, Aquino 2, Samonte 0, Paras 0, Calinawan 0, Cunanan 0, Manguiat 0, Salvani 0.
Quarters: 24-17, 43-31, 53-51, 67-64.
– Rappler.com
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